Method of detecting transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

Abstract

This invention provides an improved assays for the detection of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in humans and non-human mammals. The methods involve detecting the presence or absence of 14-3-3 proteins in cerebrospinal fluid from the tested organism. Elevated levels of 14-3-3 are indicative of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, in particular Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans or mad cow disease in bovines).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of detecting a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in a non-human mammal, said method comprising detecting a 14-3-3 protein in cerebrospinal fluid of said non-human mammal, wherein an elevated level of said 14-3-3 protein is indicative of said transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said detecting of said 14-3-3 protein is by two-dimensional electrophoresis. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein said detecting of said 14-3-3 protein is by an immunoassay. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3, wherein said immunoassay uses an anti-14-3-3 antibody. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4,wherein said antibody is polyclonal. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5, wherein said immunoassay is a Western Blot assay. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1, wherein said non-human mammal is a bovine. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1, wherein said transmissible spongiform encephalopathy is bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 1, wherein said non-human mammal is a sheep. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 1, wherein said transmissible spongiform encephalopathy is sheep scrapie.